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The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will be implementing a programme to train farmers and other stakeholders in environmentally friendly cultivation practices by September 30, 2015.

He was speaking at the official opening ceremony of the Clarks Town Branch Library on May 15.

Mr. Kellier also informed that the Parish Councils in sugar-dependent areas of St. Thomas, St. Catherine, Westmoreland, Clarendon, St. Elizabeth and Trelawny will also receive training in how to develop sustainable development plans.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will be implementing a programme to train farmers and other stakeholders in environmentally friendly cultivation practices by September 30, 2015.

He was speaking at the official opening ceremony of the Clarks Town Branch Library on May 15.

Mr. Kellier also informed that the Parish Councils in sugar-dependent areas of St. Thomas, St. Catherine, Westmoreland, Clarendon, St. Elizabeth and Trelawny will also receive training in how to develop sustainable development plans, as well as receive assistance in executing preliminary activities.

“The government believes that the sustainability of the sugar industry rests in part on how we preserve our environment. We must begin to incorporate new strategies in our farming practices,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kellier underscored the Ministry’s commitment to the total development of the Jamaican people.

“It is for that reason that we are pleased to partner with the Jamaica Library service in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to make the construction of this library a reality,” he stated.

The Clarks Town Branch Library was constructed by the Sugar Transformation Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries on behalf of the Jamaica Library Service, with funding provided by the Accompanying Measures for Sugar Protocol of the European Union.

It will offer free computer and internet access in addition to the traditional library services.

Adult literacy courses, computer training, as well as the High School Equivalency Diploma programme are to be offered through the co-operation between the Jamaica Library Service, the Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning and the HEART Trust /NTA.